In recent years, bacon has transformed from a food to a lifestyle, being an inspiration for everything from medical supplies to plush toys.

Now, with International Bacon Day just around the corner (Aug. 31), Ford is savoring the salty side dish with the introduction of what is believed to be the first bacon-wrapped car -- a 2014 Ford Fiesta.

Ford is announcing the availability of custom bacon graphics that pork purists can have installed on their new Fiesta. The small car synonymous with fun and individuality is hitting dealerships around the country.

“In the 40 years I've been in this business, I've never seen so much interest in bacon,” says Allan Benton, CEO of Benton's Country Hams. “It's being used in bourbon, chocolate, ground beef, caramel corn and whatever else you can think of. This car just makes so much sense.”

The piece de resistance is the full “Bacon Wrap” -- 10 giant strips of delicious bacon rolled around the entire Fiesta for a carb-free ride. Benton, known as the King of Bacon among venerable food writers and chefs, personally approved the design, and has deemed the bacon-wrapped Fiesta good enough to eat -- and drive.

“You can only imagine that a hillbilly from Tennessee is pretty happy to hear about a Ford wrapped in bacon,” Benton says. “I expect there will be some real excitement among the young city crowd.”

The bacon graphics are just a few custom exterior vinyl graphics Fiesta buyers can have installed on their ride to express their personalities. The wraps are produced by Ford Custom Graphics, along with 3M Original Wraps, and are available at www.fordcustomgraphics.com.